Modelling a carbon-negative waste treatment process based on smouldering combustion

This project will develop a ground-breaking carbon negative waste treatment process based on smouldering combustion – an emerging thermal technology capable of tackling highly challenging waste streams.

Smouldering combustion is scalable and energy efficient waste solution; however, like many thermal treatments it still produces carbon emissions. At the same time, many natural materials and waste by products can mineralise CO₂ but only after significant pre-treatments via heating. Therefore, these materials destined for carbon mineralisation can be mixed in smouldering waste systems to directly harness energy released through smouldering treatment to drive the heating needed. Viewed holistically this combination can lead to a novel carbon-negative waste treatment process.

Aim

To develop a numerical model that predicts the potential impacts of carbon negative smouldering.

PhD project description

You will build and validate a numerical model that captures the thermal, chemical, and geochemical processes in the carbon-negative waste treatment system. Your key tasks will include:

• Developing a 1 D smouldering model that will incorporate the geochemical reactions associated with carbon mineralisation using data from existing literature and in house experiments
• Model calibration and validation which will compare your model with real smouldering experiments carried out in our laboratory, following established best practices
• Sensitivity analyses to investigate how design parameters – such as air flow, waste loading, mineralisation material type, and particle size – affect the system’s carbon-negative potential

Why this project is exciting

• Work at the intersection of thermal engineering, waste management, geochemistry, and climate mitigation
• Contribute to a novel carbon negative technology with potential applications across waste management sectors
• Work with an international team of industry and academic experts
• Gain expertise in reactive transport modelling, smouldering combustion science, and experimental validation
• Join a dynamic research environment tackling hard to abate emissions

Candidate requirements

Starting October 2026, we require an enthusiastic graduate with a 1st class degree in engineering, maths or a relevant discipline, preferably at master's level - in exceptional circumstances a 2:1 degree can be considered.

Funding and eligibility

Open to UK, EU and international candidates.

Explore funding opportunities for postgraduate researchers.   

How to apply

Please apply online. For any enquiries about the project, email Dr Tarek Rashwan at tarek.rashwan@nottingham.ac.uk

This position is open until filled. Early application is strongly encouraged.